الضغط النفسي و الاكتأب لدى أمهات اطفال التوحد: دراسة ميدانية بمركز التكفل بذوي التوحد بمدينة عين تموشنت

Abstract

This study sought to identify the levels of psychological stress and depression among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This developmental disorder has profound psychological and social effects on mothers, as they are the closest to the child and most involved in their daily care. A descriptive approach was adopted, and the study was conducted in the field at the Autism Care Center in Ain Temouchent, using a sample of 30 mothers. To collect data, the Psychological Stress Questionnaire for Parents of Children with Autism, prepared by researcher Al-Suhaimi (2021), and the Beck Depression Inventory, short version, were used. The current study reached the following results: - Mothers of children with autism do not have a uniform level of psychological stress, but rather their levels range from high to medium. - There is also variation in depression levels, which supports the validity of the second hypothesis. The study recommended the provision of psychological and social support programs for mothers of autistic children, along with efforts to integrate them into awareness-raising activities and provide ongoing support, with the goal of enhancing their mental health and improving the quality of their lives and the lives of their children.